73. VO₂ Max: Redefining Fitness and Longevity

In this episode, Dr. Greg Jones reconnects with Dr. Leonard Pastrana, pharmacist, educator, and co-founder of New Bio Age. Their conversation centers on VO₂ max, what it is, why it matters for healthspan, and how it’s becoming one of the most critical markers in longevity medicine.

They explain what VO₂ max measures, why traditional wearables often fall short, and how metabolic breath analysis provides real clinical data. You’ll hear about the impact of COVID-19 on cardiorespiratory fitness, why training zones (like zone 2 and interval training) matter, and how resistance training also supports VO₂ max.

Dr. Pastrana also talks about the role of peptides, recovery strategies, and supplements such as alpha-ketoglutarate and Leucinergy in supporting mitochondrial function and exercise performance. The episode concludes with a look at the future of metabolic testing, New Bio Age’s Clinical Longevity Certification, and the upcoming CALM 2026 event.

📌 Dr. Leonard Pastrana

Dr. Leonard Pastrana is a pharmacist, co-founder of nuBioAge, and a leader in cellular optimization and longevity medicine. As a Doctor of Pharmacy and faculty member at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), he is one of six certified clinical peptide therapy instructors worldwide and the only pharmacist in this role. Leonard empowers medical providers with cutting-edge tools and knowledge through initiatives like Nucleus, consults for pharmacies and supplement companies, and pioneers precision diagnostics, peptide therapies, and integrative health solutions. A sought-after speaker, his work focuses on mentorship, collaboration, and advancing standards in longevity medicine.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Leonard Pastrana

Website: https://nubioage.com/about/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/leonardpastrana/

🔬 Timestamps

• Introduction and Background (00:00 - 02:12)
• Transition to Longevity and Functional Medicine (02:12 - 05:03)
• The Longevity Summit and Long COVID (05:03 - 08:39)
• Understanding VO₂ Max (08:39 - 12:40)
• Testing Methods for VO₂ Max (12:40 - 19:59)
• VO₂ Max as a Standard for Longevity (19:59 - 26:19)
• Addressing Myths About VO₂ Max Decline (26:19 - 29:04)
• Improving VO₂ Max Through Personalized Exercise (29:04 - 32:00)
• The Role of Resistance Training in VO₂ Max (32:00 - 34:39)
• Peptides and Their Impact on VO₂ Max (34:39 - 42:46)
• The Future of VO₂ Max in Longevity Medicine (42:46 - 44:52)
• Upcoming Events and Educational Opportunities (44:52 - 55:23)

As always, thanks for watching!

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Jones Optimization Podcast and its associated YouTube channel is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast or viewing its content does not create a doctor–patient relationship, and nothing shared should be interpreted as individualized medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or managing a medical condition. The opinions expressed by Dr. Jones and his guests are their own and do not reflect official medical advice or recommendations